Yes! Anastrozole (brand name Arimidex) is indeed a form of hormone therapy for breast cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors (AIs).
Rather than blocking estrogen receptors directly, it works by stopping an enzyme called aromatase from converting other hormones in the body into estrogen. This Show Full Answer
Yes! Anastrozole (brand name Arimidex) is indeed a form of hormone therapy for breast cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors (AIs).
Rather than blocking estrogen receptors directly, it works by stopping an enzyme called aromatase from converting other hormones in the body into estrogen. This lowers overall estrogen levels, which helps slow or stop the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Here are some key things to know about anastrozole:
- It's typically prescribed for postmenopausal women, or premenopausal women who are also receiving ovarian suppression therapy
- It's used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, where cancer cells grow in response to estrogen
- It's usually taken for 5 to 10 years after surgery to help prevent cancer from returning
- It can also be used before surgery to help shrink tumors
It's worth having an open conversation with your care team about whether anastrozole is the right fit for you, as side effects and personal health factors all play a role in finding the best treatment plan.
August 11
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